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Showing posts from August, 2024

Island of the lost tree by Elif Shafak.

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  Review of Island of the lost tree by Elif Shafak. Elif Shafaq's Island of the Lost Tree is a deeply moving novel that weaves together themes of love, memory and the natural world set against the backdrop of political and cultural turmoil in Cyprus. Through its unique narrative structure and poignant story, Shafaq explores complex human emotions, racial trauma and the lasting effects of war. The novel follows two main characters, Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Daphne, a Turkish Cypriot, whose love story is set during the conflict between the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus in the 1970s. Their romance is complicated not only by cultural differences but also by the political violence that divides their homeland. As the narrative unfolds, Shafaq skilfully peeks into their lives, revealing their struggle to maintain love in the midst of a crumbling world. One of the most interesting elements of the novel is its inhuman narrator—a fig tree. This tree, the witness to most of the l

As Kismet Would Have It by Sandhya Menon.

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  Review of "As Kismet Would Have It" by Sandhya Menon. As Kismet Would Have It is a delightful novel by Sandhya Menon, serving as a sequel to her popular YA novel Jab Dimple Met Rishi. Set after the events of the first book, this short story revisits beloved characters Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel, giving fans a glimpse into their lives after their initial whirlwind romance. Plot and Characters: The novel navigates Dimple and Rishi's relationship during their transition from high school to college. The story captures the sweet and sometimes awkward moments of young love, as well as the pressures and expectations that come with it. Dimple, a fiercely independent and ambitious young woman, struggles to balance her desire for a successful career in tech with her feelings for Rishi. Rishi, the hopeless romantic, is as loving as ever, but he, too, faces the challenges of adapting to a relationship where both partners have strong personalities and dreams. Writing Style: Sandhy

The Fine Print by Lauren Asher

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  Review of "The Fine Print" by Lauren Asher "The Fine Print" by Lauren Asher is the first book in the "Dreamland Billionaires" series, which combines romance with the allure of wealth and power. The novel revolves around Rowan Kane, a wealthy, billionaire, and Venus, a dynamic and creative young woman with big dreams. The story is set against the backdrop of a Disneyland-inspired amusement park, where Venus works and Rowan holds the main power. Asher creates a compelling narrative that explores themes of ambition, trust and vulnerability. Rowan and Zahra's relationship starts out as an intense attraction but turns into a deeper connection as they face their past and insecurities. The characters are well developed with Rowan's emotional complexity and Venus's optimism that keeps the reader engaged. The novel is known for its witty dialogue, steamy romance, and gradual revelation of the characters' true selves. The setting adds an extra laye

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.

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Review of  The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is a popular contemporary romance novel that has garnered a lot of attention since its release. This book is popular for lovers of its funny jokes, interesting characters and classic enemies. Plot Overview: The story centers around Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two executive assistants working at a publishing company. They despise each other and are constantly at odds, engaging in a series of petty office games to outdo each other. Their rivalry reaches a new level when they both fight for the same promotion, but as they spend more time together, they begin to realize that their feelings for each other are more than simple hatred.  Characters: Lucy Hutton : The main character is charming, quirky and likeable. She is short in stature but has a strong personality, and readers often find her relatable and endearing. Joshua Templeman : Initially, Joshua comes across as cold, stern and unapproachable, but as the

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

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Review of Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood. Ali Hazlewood's "Love, Theoretically" is a contemporary romance novel that follows the lives of two academic rivals, Elsie and Jack, who find themselves entangled in a love story with considerable tension and emotional depth. Elsie, an adjunct professor struggling to make ends meet, works a side gig as a fake girlfriend to make ends meet.Her life takes a complicated turn when she discovers that her favourite client's older brother, Jack, is not only on the hiring committee for her dream job at MIT, but responsible for ruining her mentor's career. Dar is also a physicist. What ensues is an "enemies of lovers" romance filled with academic rivalries, self-discovery, and an exploration of the pressures faced by women in STEM fields . The novel has been praised for its engaging character development, particularly Elsie's journey from a people pleaser to someone who begins to embrace her true self. Jack, who

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

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  Review of The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas The Illusion of Spanish Love by Elena Armas is a contemporary romance novel that has received considerable attention for its intriguing mix of tropes, including fake relationships, slow-burn romances, and enemy-lover dynamics. The story centers around Catalina Martin, who finds herself in a difficult situation when she needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain. To escape the mercy of her family and to prove that she is more than her ex, Catalina agrees to take on a fake boyfriend. Enter Aaron Blackford, his infuriatingly handsome partner who volunteers for the job despite their frosty relationship. Strengths: Character Development :Catalina and Aaron are well-developed characters with depth and complexity. Catalina is a relatable protagonist, dealing with her own insecurities and past heartbreaks. Aaron, initially portrayed as cold and distant, reveals layers of warmth, protectiveness, and charm as the story progresses. Ch

Set on you by Amy Lea

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Review of Set on you by Amy Lea The catchy premise of "Set On You" perfectly matches its playful title. Crystal Chen, a confident and successful Instagram fitness influencer based in Boston, uses her platform to empower her 200,000 followers to embrace self-love and body positivity, regardless of societal standards of body image. . Her routine at the gym takes an unexpected turn when a muscular, undeniably attractive (and equally arrogant) man claims her favorite squat rack. This sparks a heated rivalry between them, filled with competitive workouts, intense weight-lifting sessions, and a fiery locker room confrontation that escalates into a passionate make-out session. The plot thickens when Crystal discovers that this "squat rack thief," a firefighter named Scott, has an unexpected connection to her family, ensuring that their paths and their gym competition cross paths are far from over. Amy Lee's "Sit On You" is a contemporary romance that has rece

The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak.

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  The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak Elif Shafaq's "The Bastard of Istanbul" is a fascinating and multifaceted novel that explores themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of Turkish-Armenian relations. The story revolves around two families—one Turkish and one Armenian-American—whose lives are intertwined in a shared past that they are both reluctant to face. The narrative is primarily set in Istanbul and alternates between different characters, offering the reader a rich tapestry of perspective. The story centers on Asia Kazanci, a rebellious young woman living in Istanbul, and her Armenian-American cousin Armanoush Chakhmakhchian. Asia, raised in a family dominated by strong-willed women, is haunted by her father's absence, while Armanoush, torn between her American and Armenian heritage, tries to understand her roots.  Shafaq expertly weaves the histories of the two families together, revealing the lingering pain of the Armenian Genocide, a subject tha

Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee.

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                                   Review of Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee   "Disgrace" won the Booker Prize in 1999 and has since become a modern classic. J.M. Coetzee's Disgrace is a deep and disturbing novel that explores themes of power, redemption, and the complexities of post-apartheid South Africa. The story centers on David Lowry, a middle-aged English professor in Cape Town who faces a downfall after an affair with a student. Lori's life takes a turn for the worse when he leaves his academic position and moves to his daughter Lucy's rural farm, where more challenges await him. Coetzee's writing is sparse but powerful, reflecting the protagonist's emotional and moral desolation. The novel is not just about Laurie's personal disgrace, but also about major social changes and racial tensions in a country still clinging to its past. The novel is at times deeply unsettling, as it does not shy away from difficult questions about

Twisted Love by Ana Huang.

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                                           Review of "Twisted Love" by Ana Huang. "Twisted Love" by W. Winters is a deeply romantic novel that has garnered significant attention for its complex characters, complex plot, and thought-provoking themes.  Here is a brief overview: The story revolves around Morley Corrupt , a rich and mysterious figure, and Lily, a young and ambitious journalist. Their paths cross as Lily tries to uncover Morley's true identity and uncover the secrets surrounding his kingdom. As they engage in a game of cat and mouse, their mutual interest grows, and they find themselves entangled in a web of passion, power, and desire. Reviewers have praised the book for its: Dark and quiet environment Complex, morally ambiguous characters Complex plot with unexpected twists Exploring themes such as power dynamics, trauma, and consent Steamy and intense romance However, some readers have noted that the book also contains: Triggers for sensi

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.

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                                Review of The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. Ali Hazlewood's "The Love Hypothesis" is a highly acclaimed romance novel that has received much acclaim for its unique blend of science , humor and heart. Here's a brief review: The story follows Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. A biology student, who doesn't believe in love. She is focused on her research and has no time for romantic entanglements. However, when her best friend goes through a rough breakup, Olive panics and invents a fake boyfriend to comfort her. But things get complicated when her "boyfriend" turns out to be Adam Carlson, a young and handsome professor in her department. As Olive and Adam embark on a fake relationship, they must navigate their growing feelings, academic rivalries, and personal biases. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the challenges faced by women in STEM fields. Reviewers have praised the book for its: Witty dialogue and ba

Jannat k pattay by Nimrah Ahmed.

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                              Review of Jannat k pattay by Nimrah Ahmed. Plot The story revolves around Haya Sulaiman, an LLB Honors student who gets a scholarship to study in Turkey for six months. She hopes to reconnect with her childhood fiance, Cihan Sikandar, who lives in Turkey. Upon her arrival, she begins to receive anonymous gifts and messages, setting off a chain of events that will change his life. Characters Haya Sulaiman: The main character, a strong-willed and determined girl who faces various challenges in her journey. Sihan Sikandar: Haya's childhood fiancĂ©, who is complex and mysterious. Ayesha Gul: A character who helps Haya in her journey to Islam. Themes The novel explores Haya's journey to Islam and her struggle with her faith. The story depicts Haya and Cihan's complicated relationship and Haya's journey to understand her feelings. The novel highlights the differences between Pakistani and Turkish cultures. Reviews The novel has received praise fo

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